The English Language Study Skills Assistance (ELSSA) Centre enhances teaching and learning at UTS through a focus on academic and professional language development, which involves reading, writing, listening, speaking, critical thinking and cultural knowledge.

The Centre collaborates with faculties and runs programs designed to meet the specific requirements and changing needs of undergraduate and postgraduate UTS students and staff. It also fosters interest in, and knowledge of, language and learning through research, intellectual contributions and staff development.

In addition to a wide range of free academic and professional language development services available to UTS students who complete undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in English, the ELSSA Centre also offers the following elective subjects, award courses and programs.

For further details, contact:

Elective subjects

The ELSSA Centre offers five elective subjects aimed specifically at students from language backgrounds other than English. Some of these subjects may be completed during semester or in intensive mode during the February or July vacation periods. Enrolment in these subjects does not reduce EFTSL from a student's SLE.

Undergraduate programs for international students

Advanced Diploma in Australian Language and Culture

The Centre offers the Advanced Diploma in Australian Language and Culture (C20030). See the entry for C20030 for further details.

Australian English Language and Culture Program

The Australian English Language and Culture (AELC) Program is aimed at Study Abroad or exchange students who are not able to enrol in the Advanced Diploma in Australian Language and Culture. This program is not offered to local students. Students receive a Statement of Completion at the end of the course.

This program enables international students from language backgrounds other than English to develop their English language skills through the study of aspects of contemporary Australian society and culture. Through both class activities and excursions, it introduces students to a range of intercultural issues and provides them with opportunities to interact with native speakers in order to develop the cultural understanding, skills, knowledge and confidence required to use English and participate actively in a variety of settings.

The program focuses particularly on oral skills and includes some participation in mainstream University classes.

Admission requirements

The program is designed for students whose language level is below IELTS 5.0 or TOEFL 510 (computer 180).

Course duration

This program is completed over two semesters.

Course structure

This program consists of two full-time subjects, comprising 24 credit points each.

Course program

Other information

Contact the ELSSA Centre for more information on this program: